{"id":685635,"date":"2026-07-11T07:18:19","date_gmt":"2026-07-11T07:18:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/685635\/"},"modified":"2026-07-11T07:18:19","modified_gmt":"2026-07-11T07:18:19","slug":"inside-tvs-dr-ranj-singhs-private-retreat-in-lancashire","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/685635\/","title":{"rendered":"Inside TV’s Dr Ranj Singh’s private retreat in Lancashire"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n The TV doctor, best known for co-producing CBeebies\u2019 Get Well Soon, appearing on BBC\u2019s Morning Live and ITV\u2019s This Morning and his stint on Strictly Come Dancing<\/a> , spotted the unique property while filming an episode of BBC\u2019s Celebrity Escape to the Country in 2023.\n<\/p>\n

\n With uninterrupted views stretching from Peel Tower<\/a> right across to the Manchester skyline, it was the kind of place that stops you in your tracks. \u2018I saw it and just thought, I need this,\u2019 he says. \u2018It took my breath away.\u2019\n<\/p>\n

\n \"The<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

\n At the time Ranj, who grew up in Kent but was living in London, was looking for somewhere to switch off from his busy working life, a sanctuary surrounded by countryside where he would have space to host guests. He put in an offer and purchased it for \u00a3465,000 in February 2024.\n<\/p>\n

\n \"WaterThe tower (Image: A.J. Critch Media)\n<\/p>\n

\n Originally built in 1840 as a water tower serving a nearby printworks, the building was later converted into a home and connected to the cottage next door set around a courtyard with several neighbouring homes.\n<\/p>\n

\n Find out about amazing days out and dining ideas inside the latest edition of Lancashire Life.<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

\n Read interviews with more fascinating people in the latest edition of Lancashire Life magazine<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

\n A big part of the appeal was its location. \u2018I needed to be close to Manchester for work,\u2019 he says. \u2018My godchildren live in Burnley, so I\u2019m halfway between the two. It\u2019s the perfect spot.\u2019\n<\/p>\n

\n What he didn\u2019t realise at the time was quite how big a project he was taking on. \u2018I thought it would be a cosmetic refurb \u2013 six months, \u00a3100,000 and done,\u2019 he laughs. \u2018It turned into two years and a complete renovation. Practically gutting the place and starting again from scratch.\u2019\n<\/p>\n

\n The reality hit quickly. On the day he got the keys, he discovered a leak, and that was just the start of what was to come. \u2018As soon as I started to chip away at this place the problems became more and more evident. Damp, insulation, plumbing \u2013 the project just kept getting bigger and bigger.\u2019\n<\/p>\n

\n \"LoungeThe 85-inch TV had to be carried up four flights of stairs (Image: A.J. Critch Media)\n<\/p>\n

\n The renovation work also brought setbacks. At one point, after everything had been freshly plastered, a plumbing mistake flooded the entire property. \u2018That was heartbreaking,\u2019 he reflects.\n<\/p>\n

\n Financially, the project went far beyond what he had planned. \u2018My budget more than doubled,\u2019 he says. But by collaborating with brands along the way \u2013 exchanging social media and promotional work for materials, fittings and furnishings \u2013 he managed to offset some of the cost. \u2018I\u2019ve probably saved around \u00a350,000 doing that,\u2019 he adds.\n<\/p>\n

\n Step inside and all the effort feels more than worth it. You enter through a small hallway, where bespoke steel doors and a large mirror reflect the light and open up the space.\n<\/p>\n

\n The kitchen sits to the left and the formal lounge to the right. What was once a series of smaller, closed-off rooms has been completely opened up to create a bright, flowing ground floor designed around socialising.\n<\/p>\n

\n \u2018The whole ground floor had walls and doors,\u2019 he says. \u2018So all of this has been opened up to make it one big, sociable area. I wanted somewhere people could come, sit, eat, drink and just have a good time.\u2019\n<\/p>\n

\n \"Lounge\"\/The lounge is sophisticated but inviting (Image: A.J. Critch Media)\n<\/p>\n

\n The lounge is sophisticated but inviting \u2013 cream sofas, layered textures and low lighting. Candles flicker in the fireplace, adding to the atmosphere, while underfloor heating keeps things cosy and darker accents bring depth to the space.\n<\/p>\n

\n That same look carries throughout the house, built around a neutral palette of creams, taupes and greys, with lighting kept low and atmospheric. Spotlights and hidden strips create a gentle glow rather than anything harsh, adding to a relaxed, hotel-like feel. \u2018I wanted it to feel like one space, so the flooring is the same throughout the house,\u2019 he says.\n<\/p>\n

\n The property spans five floors and 70 steps \u2013 something Ranj became very aware of during the renovation. \u2018At one point I was doing 20,000 steps a day just going up and down,\u2019 he laughs. Getting everything in was no easy task either. \u2018We had to carry an 85-inch TV up four flights of stairs \u2013 any bigger and we would have had to crane it in.\u2019\n<\/p>\n

\n In the kitchen, sleek dark cabinetry wraps around a central white marble island made for entertaining. Glassware sits neatly in smoked-glass cabinets and on open shelving, while a bold pop-art print of Marilyn Monroe adds a flash of colour and personality.\n<\/p>\n

\n \"Bathroom\"\/Ranj\u2019s dressing room with freestanding bath (Image: A.J. Critch Media)\n<\/p>\n

\n On the windowsill, his Cooking with the Stars trophy from 2022 takes pride of place. \u2018I finally have space to cook,\u2019 he says. \u2018Although I\u2019ll be honest \u2013 I\u2019m more of a party and nibbles kind of person.\u2019 Even so, he has ambitions of filming a cooking mini-series to showcase the space.\n<\/p>\n

\n Upstairs, on the first floor, is a snug with a secret office space cleverly concealed behind wardrobe doors, plus the main bathroom and guest room with its own spa-like en suite. \u2018I\u2019ve always wanted somewhere people could come and stay,\u2019 he says.\n<\/p>\n

\n Project management and design was led by Ranj himself, with him tackling as much of the work as he could. There are clever touches everywhere, from that hidden office to layered wall murals along the staircase, brought to life with subtle spotlights \u2013 an idea he admits his electrician initially thought was \u2018nuts\u2019, but one that now makes a striking feature.\n<\/p>\n

\n Despite how put-together it all looks, it still feels personal. Artwork by his friend Thomas Wolski, who appeared alongside him on Escape to the Country and lent a hand during the renovation, is dotted throughout the house, alongside pieces Ranj has collected over time. The air carries a subtle, expensive scent too, the kind that clings to your clothes long after you\u2019ve left.\n<\/p>\n

\n \"TheThe master bedroom (Image: A.J. Critch Media)\n<\/p>\n

\n As you move further up, the tower begins to take over. \u2018You start in the cottage and then you head up into the tower and it just keeps getting better,\u2019 he says. \u2018The light, the views \u2013 it\u2019s incredible.\u2019\n<\/p>\n

\n This is Ranj\u2019s own private retreat, his \u2018tower master suite\u2019 split over three levels. It begins with a dressing room flooded with natural light from windows on three sides, complete with full-height wardrobes and a freestanding bath. \u2018This is the best room to get ready in,\u2019 he says. \u2018Music on, maybe a glass of champagne, bath\u2026 I just take my time.\u2019\n<\/p>\n

\n Next is the master bedroom, where one of the most striking features in the house hangs overhead \u2013 a chandelier made up of hundreds of delicate glass droplets, each one individually hung by Ranj himself. \u2018There\u2019s 500 in that one,\u2019 he says. \u2018And 250 each in the bedside ones, so 1,000 in total. It took hours. I don\u2019t want to take them down or clean them \u2013 ever.\u2019\n<\/p>\n

\n Such is his attention to detail, he even sprayed the chandelier to tone down the gold finish so it better matched the rest of the scheme.\n<\/p>\n

\n He had a handy connection when it came to the beds, which had to be specially made to fit up the stairs. \u2018I used to work in a bed factory when I was 18, just before I went to university,\u2019 he says. \u2018I\u2019ve done work with the company since, so they made the beds for me. They are made to bespoke sizes, and the mattress has \u2018Designed by Dr Ranj\u2019 embroidered on it.\u2019\n<\/p>\n

\n Above the master bedroom is the cinema room, a dark, cocooning space complete with its own bar. \u2018So you don\u2019t have to go all the way downstairs if you want a drink,\u2019 he says. He proudly points out a smaller detail too \u2013 a lit alcove shelf he built himself from what had been unused space the evening before we visit.\n<\/p>\n

\n \u2018I fitted that last night,\u2019 he says. \u2018It was completely wasted space before, and I just thought, why not turn it into something useful?\u2019\n<\/p>\n

\n \"Bedroom\"\/The bedroom (Image: A.J. Critch Media)\n<\/p>\n

\n At the very top sits the \u2018icing on the cake\u2019, the rooftop terrace \u2013 something Ranj has yet to fully enjoy, having only moved in last October. \u2018I haven\u2019t properly used it yet,\u2019 he admits. But with his first full summer approaching, there\u2019s a real sense of anticipation. \u2018The views are incredible, and it\u2019s completely private,\u2019 he says. \u2018I can\u2019t wait to use it.\u2019\n<\/p>\n

\n Ranj still has his flat in London for work, but spends as much time as he can in Bury. Among his neighbours are actress and radio presenter Gemma Atkinson and her partner, Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka M\u00e1rquez. \u2018Gemma and Gorka live just over there,\u2019 he says, pointing across the fields from the roof terrace.\n<\/p>\n

\n He\u2019s also got to know the neighbours in the courtyard. \u2018They\u2019re all lovely,\u2019 he says. \u2018I\u2019ve discovered one of them really likes prosecco.\u2019 Keen to play his part, he\u2019s upgraded the shared intercom and installed a defibrillator. \u2018We are in the middle of nowhere, so that\u2019s something I felt really passionate about,\u2019 he adds.\n<\/p>\n

\n \"DrDr Ranj Singh (Image: A.J. Critch Media)\n<\/p>\n

\n He\u2019s been busy getting to know the wider area too, with nearby Ramsbottom becoming a favourite. \u2018It\u2019s about a 45-minute walk and it\u2019s lovely,\u2019 he says. \u2018Great places to eat, nice atmosphere. The only downside to the north is it rains too much. The water\u2019s better, the tea\u2019s better, the people are nicer \u2013 it\u2019s so much better.\u2019\n<\/p>\n

\n From the start, Ranj imagined the house as somewhere to bring people together \u2013 something he\u2019d never quite had space for before. \u2018I\u2019ve always wanted a home where I could have people over,\u2019 he says. \u2018Now I finally can.\u2019\n<\/p>\n

\n The first proper gathering came when filming wrapped on the I Escaped to the Country revisit. \u2018We had people over, food, drinks \u2013 it was exactly what I\u2019d imagined,\u2019 he says. \u2018It felt really special.\u2019\n<\/p>\n

\n Ironically, the move that was meant to bring calm initially did the opposite. \u2018I came here to de-stress,\u2019\n<\/p>\n

\n he says. \u2018And then it became the most stressful thing I\u2019ve ever done.\u2019 Now, though, that\u2019s changing. \u2018Finally, I feel like I can relax here. It\u2019s taken a while, but it\u2019s getting there.\u2019\n<\/p>\n

\n The improvements have paid off in more ways than one, with the home\u2019s energy rating rising from an E to a B. \u2018For a building that\u2019s almost 200 years old, that\u2019s amazing,\u2019 he says. \u2018I wanted to make sure it lasts for another 200 years.\u2019\n<\/p>\n

\n As for whether he\u2019d do it all again? He doesn\u2019t hesitate. \u2018Never again,\u2019 he laughs. \u2018It was too stressful.\u2019 But there\u2019s no regrets. \u2018It\u2019s been one of the biggest lessons I\u2019ve ever learned. But also one of the biggest rewards.\u2019.\n<\/p>\n

\n Ranj\u2019s new children\u2019s book, Dr Ranj\u2019s Human Body Encyclopedia, is out this month.\n<\/p>\n

\n Suppliers & shopping\n<\/p>\n

\n Paint: coatpaints.com\n<\/p>\n

\n Flooring: karndean.com\n<\/p>\n

\n Artwork: thomaswolski.com\n<\/p>\n

\n Sofas: dusk.com\n<\/p>\n

\n Kitchen: kutchenhaus.com\n<\/p>\n

\n Kitchen tap: blanco.co.uk\n<\/p>\n

\n Appliances: aeg.co.uk\n<\/p>\n

\n Beds: sleepeezee.com\n<\/p>\n

\n Main bathroom: wickes.co.uk\n<\/p>\n

\n Master bedroom chandeliers: coachhouse.com\n<\/p>\n

\n Plants: summerseatgardencentre.co.uk\n<\/p>\n

\n Electrician: everythingelectricltd.co.uk\n<\/p>\n

\n Stone and brickwork: archerbrickandstone.co.uk<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The TV doctor, best known for co-producing CBeebies\u2019 Get Well Soon, appearing on BBC\u2019s Morning Live and ITV\u2019s…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":685636,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[6491,96,56,54,55],"class_list":["post-685635","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-celebrities","tag-celebrities","tag-entertainment","tag-uk","tag-united-kingdom","tag-unitedkingdom"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/685635","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=685635"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/685635\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/685636"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=685635"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=685635"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=685635"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}